Washington, D.C.: History repeated itself at the White House as U.S. President Donald Trump found himself in a fiery exchange—this time with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The tense altercation echoed Trump’s earlier confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February over the Ukraine war.
Ramaphosa arrived in Washington on May 19 with the intention of reviving Africa-U.S. relations, which have remained strained since the apartheid era. However, the diplomatic visit took an unexpected turn when President Trump brought up allegations of racism and violence in South Africa, accusing Ramaphosa of turning a blind eye to the alleged mass killings of white farmers.
Citing media reports and flashing a controversial video on a large screen, Trump claimed that thousands of white farmers had been murdered in South Africa under Ramaphosa’s watch. “Death, death…” Trump repeated while handing over clippings of articles supporting the claim, escalating the tension in the room.
President Ramaphosa firmly denied the allegations and reminded Trump of South Africa’s complex reality. “Yes, crime is a concern, but violence in our country affects all races and communities—not just white farmers. In fact, more Black South Africans have lost their lives to violence,” Ramaphosa asserted.
Responding to the video shown by Trump, Ramaphosa questioned its authenticity and said he had never seen it before. “We will investigate its source. But to imply that violence in South Africa is racially motivated only against whites is simply not true,” he said.
Amid the diplomatic deadlock, Ramaphosa took a subtle jab at Trump’s recent gift from the Qatari government—a luxury aircraft worth ₹3,400 crore (approx. $400 million). “Unfortunately, I do not have a luxury jet to gift you,” said Ramaphosa, alluding to the opulence involved in global diplomacy. To which Trump replied, “I wish you did.”
The Qatari gift came during Trump’s recent visit to Doha, stirring controversy around influence and favoritism. In contrast, Ramaphosa emphasized that his visit to Washington was aimed at mending ties and fostering cooperation between the two democracies.
Tensions between the two nations have been mounting since February, when Trump announced the suspension of U.S. aid to South Africa. He cited concerns over alleged persecution of white citizens and controversial land acquisition policies. Ramaphosa had responded sharply, urging the U.S. not to interfere in South Africa’s internal affairs.
This latest incident marks the second diplomatic clash in the White House since Trump assumed office on January 20, 2025. The first occurred on February 28, during a heated discussion with President Zelensky of Ukraine over the ongoing war.
As U.S. foreign policy under Trump continues to court controversy, experts warn that such confrontational approaches may harm diplomatic relations and alienate key global partners. Whether the Trump-Ramaphosa rift deepens or finds resolution remains to be seen.
